Rhys Velasquez is an award-winning casting director, advocate and—of their previous life—musical theater performer.
After graduating from Australia’s Ballarat Arts Academy in 2013, Velasquez was forged in a number of worldwide and nationwide theater excursions, together with Shrek the Musical, As soon as on This Island and Paw Patrol Reside earlier than hanging up their faucet sneakers and getting into casting.
Based in 2021, Velasquez’s Evolution Casting is predicated out of Naarm (Melbourne, Victoria), the place Velasquez additionally works as Casting Affiliate for the Melbourne Theatre Firm and is on the Board of Administrators of Stage A Change—a corporation dedicated to championing artists and performers of shade.
We just lately sat down with Velasquez to debate auditions, accountability, advocacy and extra.
You began on this business as a performer earlier than turning to casting. What motivated that shift for you?
I really found my ardour for casting at a younger age, though I didn’t notice it was a viable occupation till attending drama faculty. As an adolescent, I created a scrapbook that includes photographs from my favourite musicals and TV exhibits, casting my buddies in varied roles. I took the casting course of very critically, too, even going as far as to have buddies sing songs or carry out scenes to verify my instincts had been appropriate.
It was whereas learning musical theater at drama faculty I found that casting was a occupation. Regardless of my love for performing, I discovered myself more and more drawn to the inventive course of. By the point I graduated, I used to be sure I needed to move straight into casting. Regardless of preliminary setbacks in contacting casting administrators for job alternatives, I continued my journey in performing and delved into choreography, which deepened my appreciation for the casting course of.
My turning level got here in the course of the 2020 shutdown of the Australian tour of Shrek the Musical as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. The heightened deal with the Black Lives Matter motion prompted essential conversations inside the business. Actively collaborating in these discussions, I noticed a big lack of illustration from people with comparable lived experiences and intersectional identities within the casting course of.
Recognizing this void in perspective as a supply of exclusion in our business, I questioned how significant change might happen with out various voices on the decision-making desk. Taking inventory of my profession, I noticed I had achieved every thing I desired as a performer. Motivated by a need to contribute to optimistic change, I made a decision to pursue casting full-time by establishing my very own firm.
Simply final yr, you gained the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) Award for Finest Casting in a Theatre Manufacturing on your work on Choir Boy. What was your course of for casting that manufacturing?
Engaged on Choir Boy was such a pleasure! I used to be contacted by Affiliate Producer Daniel Cottier looking for help in increasing an ongoing casting course of. Regardless of the everyday constraints of a theater undertaking finances, which frequently leans in direction of native expertise, I advocated for a broader search to make sure we discovered one of the best forged potential for this Australian premiere.
Because the casting course of was already underway with set callback dates, my focus shifted towards gathering as many audition tapes as potential from actors and singers. Moreover, I invested appreciable time in conversations with members from the African communities in Sydney, Melbourne and past, aiming to unearth distinctive vocalists who mightn’t have thought-about auditioning for theater. Loads of these discussions additionally focussed on the best way to take such a selected story in regards to the Black American expertise and the best way to forged it with a largely African Australian forged who would have some comparable however largely completely different cultural references, particularly when it got here to the gospel music.
Engaged on tasks that contain participating with artists unfamiliar with theater, performing or auditioning entails a big period of time spent speaking over the cellphone or Zoom. I information them on the best way to put together supplies, inform them in regards to the audition course of and join them with performing or vocal coaches of their space. I additionally present teaching myself to assist them really feel extra assured when coming into the audition room, guaranteeing they’re as shut as potential to being as ready as somebody with much more expertise.
After compiling a listing of audition tapes, we invited chosen actors for in-person auditions in Sydney and Melbourne and the method was fairly simple from there. For a lot of forged members, Choir Boy marked their debut in skilled theater and it brings me immense satisfaction to see how far they’ve come. They honestly labored magic on stage, evidenced by the quite a few nominations for the Sydney Theatre Awards they obtained!
How did your CGA recognition and win really feel?
Receiving the CGA recognition and profitable the award was genuinely a shock. Being nominated alongside such a gifted cohort of casting administrators doing distinctive work, particularly as a first-time nominee—and my first yr within the Guild—felt like a big honor in itself. The win, nevertheless, was extremely affirming. I’m within the early phases of my profession as a casting director and deeply captivated with my work and fostering optimistic change. The popularity from my friends by means of this award felt like a powerful encouragement, as in the event that they had been saying, “You’re doing nice work—maintain going.”
You stroll the stroll on the subject of championing variety and equality. Are you able to communicate to your three core ideas of acutely aware, inclusive and consultant casting?
Genuinely championing inclusion and variety is on the core of my casting mission with acutely aware, inclusive and consultant casting working because the guiding ideas to realize this. These ideas function the inspiration for my casting observe, tailor-made to every undertaking’s distinctive necessities.
Whereas the time period “inclusive” is often seen on casting briefs, its true which means can generally lack depth and will not align with sure tasks’ contextual calls for. I gained’t delve extensively into the definitions—they’re accessible on my web site—however let me illustrate with an instance. For Choir Boy, a story deeply rooted within the Black and queer expertise, consultant casting was paramount. It was essential for me to hunt actors with lived experiences in each identities to authentically convey the story. On this context, the time period “inclusive” doesn’t absolutely seize the nuance, as sure exclusions had been vital to make sure the story’s correct illustration.
When engaged on tasks with much less prescriptive id necessities, an “inclusive” method could also be relevant. Nevertheless, I emphasize the significance of pairing inclusivity with acutely aware casting. For me, optimistic illustration holds better significance than mere visibility. Whereas my overarching aim is to diversify phases and screens radically, I navigate this consciously to keep away from perpetuating damaging stereotypes or tropes for underrepresented communities. Media has a considerable affect in shaping perceptions, each consciously and subconsciously and I stay hyper-aware of this energy in each casting choice.
This method just isn’t about limiting actors from embracing sophisticated, messy roles—in any case, complexity is inherent to humanity. Nevertheless, I persistently gauge how I forged actors from underrepresented communities in comparison with these from overrepresented identities. It’s about understanding the dynamics between the function and actor inside the context of the textual content, guaranteeing a considerate and balanced portrayal.
Given this, what’s your method to discovering actors?
My method varies relying on the undertaking. The important thing for me is having thorough discussions upfront, even earlier than involving brokers and actors. Inside the course of of making, I see casting as a type of dramaturgy and design targeted on the folks inside the world we want to create.
My greatest work occurs after I can dive into the script—understanding what the author needs to convey. This helps me join with the director to form the world of the undertaking based mostly on their imaginative and prescient, in addition to mine. With sufficient prep time, I can take a focused method to casting, understanding precisely what we’re searching for. However generally, because of time constraints, we should open it up for submissions and determine issues out alongside the way in which.
I want the primary methodology as a result of I like creating a transparent and inclusive blueprint. It not solely helps us discover the correct match for the roles but in addition reduces the possibility of biases creeping in. The aim is to set a stable basis that guides us by means of a smoother and extra considerate casting course of.
In the case of the precise auditions themselves, how do you consider making a protected area for the actors?
Making certain a protected area in auditions is undoubtedly difficult, given the differing perceptions of security amongst each actors and the audition panel. My focus lies in creating an surroundings the place people really feel empowered to specific their wants comfortably. To facilitate this, I make a concerted effort to collect pertinent data beforehand, recognizing that some could also be hesitant to talk up.
By asking considerate questions previous to auditions, I intention to grasp every artist’s distinctive circumstances, extending past their talents to embody private issues like caregiving tasks or cultural wants. I’m conscious of the business’s historical past of misusing such data, resulting in actors’ reservations. Regardless of this, I consider that understanding these particulars permits me to advocate for actors who could also be reluctant to share their particular necessities.
Components akin to household commitments, audition preparation expertise and geographic location all affect an actor’s efficiency on audition day. I’m actively working to shift the business narrative by using this data not as a hindrance however as a instrument to assist actors successfully. My aim is to supply each actor with an equal alternative, understanding that particular person wants differ broadly. Armed with this data, I temporary the audition panel accordingly and join with the artists beforehand, guaranteeing the taking part in area is as equitable as potential for each seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.
I additionally perceive that, regardless of my greatest intentions, there could also be cases the place hurt or lack of entry happens. In gentle of this, I’ve established a devoted web page on my web site the place actors can submit suggestions anonymously. This platform permits them to share unfavorable experiences they might have encountered throughout auditions I’ve carried out, enabling me to be taught from these experiences and constantly enhance. I consider within the energy of accountability, acknowledging the challenges actors face in holding these in energy accountable and attempt to create a protected avenue for constructive suggestions with out worry of repercussions.
That’s unbelievable. Do you’ve gotten any extra recommendation for a way actors can step up and contribute to the present evolution of the business, too?
Navigating the challenges in our business could be powerful and I perceive the struggles actors face. Whereas it might appear to be alternatives are scarce or that particular person impression is restricted, actors possess extra company than they may notice. Attaining a extra equitable business requires collective effort.
If a job or present doesn’t align along with your values or contribute positively to illustration, it’s okay to go. Holding out for alternatives that resonate with you is a strong option to form the business’s narrative. Keep in mind, there’ll all the time be extra possibilities on the horizon.
Advocating for your self is essential. Don’t hesitate to speak your must do your greatest work. Keep engaged and knowledgeable about ongoing discussions inside the business, particularly these associated to inclusivity and illustration. Your consciousness contributes to the broader dialog.
Lastly, for those who [or other actors] ever want somebody to bounce concepts off or search recommendation, I’m right here. Let’s foster a supportive group the place actors can empower one another and collectively contribute to the optimistic evolution of our business.
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Particular because of Rhys Velasquez for his or her time. Upcoming open requires Evolution Casting could be discovered on their web site and Instagram.
This text initially appeared on Casting Networks.
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